Milwaukee July 3 Fireworks Display In Jeopardy for 2019

MILWAUKEE, WI – After four decades lighting up the sky on July 3, Milwaukee County officials say that the city could lose its annual fireworks display.

Guy Smith, Executive Director at Milwaukee County Parks said, "U.S. Bank, and before them, First Wisconsin, have generously organized and funded the July 3 fireworks show for nearly 40 years; and heading down to Veterans Park to watch the fireworks has become an annual tradition for many Wisconsin families."

Yet without a major backer, the fireworks may not happen in 2019, county officials say. Last February, U.S. Bank announced that the 2018 display would be their last. The 45-minute show, launched from two barges on Lake Michigan, costs around $350,000 to put on, and currently, no local businesses have committed to sponsoring the full cost of the event.

After their announcement last year, county officials said they immediately began talks with area businesses with the hope of keeping the fireworks tradition alive, but now time is running out, and there’s a real possibility that the July 3 fireworks display may not return, officials said.

Milwaukee County officials said that there is still time for businesses or donors interested in helping fund the fireworks show for July 3. All tax deductible sponsorships and donations would go to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation-Parks Fund.

Interested donors should contact Jay Burseth at 414-257-8043 or jay.burseth@milwaukeecountywi.gov